Published March 05, 2019
Program uses comprehensive approach to reduce inappropriate prescribing, dispensing and consumption of prescription opioids
Results show significant improvements in health outcomes for patients and clients
OptumRx has received the 2019 Excellence Award for Opioid Management Strategies from the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute. The award recognizes OptumRx for significantly reducing excessive prescribing, dispensing and consumption of prescription opioids – while delivering quality care – through its Opioid Risk Management program, a comprehensive initiative addressing the opioid epidemic.
Since the program's launch in July 2017, OptumRx has successfully helped clients and patients balance the need for these powerful medications with the risk of abuse and misuse.
"Using advanced data analytics and evidence-based clinical strategies, we are mitigating opioid misuse and abuse before it starts, while supporting people who may be battling dependency and addiction issues, as well as those in recovery," said David Calabrese, chief pharmacy officer at OptumRx. "We are honored to be recognized by PBMI for the positive impact we are having on the patients and clients we serve."
The OptumRx Opioid Risk Management program extends beyond what traditional, stand-alone pharmacy benefit organizations can address by targeting five key factors contributing to this complex health care crisis, including:
"OptumRx's Opioid Risk Management program stands apart because of its dual focus on reducing both the consumption and prescription of opioids, enabling the company to achieve unparalleled results on both fronts," said Jane Lutz, executive director of PBMI. "Knowing that OptumRx is continually updating the program to advance positive results for its members, we look forward to the work that is to come."
OptumRx is continuing to expand its efforts to curb the rise of opioid abuse through a variety of new components recently launched and in development, including:
For more information on OptumRx's Opioid Risk Management program, visit our resource page.
OptumRx is a pharmacy care services company helping clients and more than 65 million members achieve better health outcomes and lower overall costs through innovative prescription drug benefit services, including network claims processing, clinical programs, formulary management and specialty pharmacy care. Through expertise, flexible technology and a network of over 67,000 community pharmacies and state-of-the-art home delivery pharmacies, OptumRx is putting patients at the center of the pharmacy experience and making health care more connected and less fragmented — ensuring patients get the right medication at the right time at the best cost. OptumRx is part of Optum®, a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to making the health system work better for everyone. Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). For more information, visit optum.com/optumrx or follow @OptumRx on Twitter.
The Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) is the nation's leading provider of research and education that informs, advises, and influences the industry on topics related to drug cost management. PBMI offers research, continuing education, and web resources to help all critical stakeholders work better together to optimize the overall value of drug benefit programs. Learn more at www.pbmi.com.